<p>Hi Guys,</p>
<p>So just recently I was admitted as a transfer at USC for the B.Arch program as a first-year student (a huge proponent to that being that a lot of architecture courses that I had taken at the local CC only transferred as elective credit)</p>
<p>Regardless, I am definitely glad I was admitted, and thankfully, despite being such an expensive school, I'll be able to attend with the help of financial aid. With that being said, while looking at the Cal Grant information I noticed that under remaining eligibility I had 4 years. As some of you know, a B. Arch is composed of a rigorous 5 year curriculum and according to the Cal Grant eligibility, only 4 of those 5 years would be covered. Cal Grant covers a VERY significant portion of the tuition (I'd say about 1/4) and without it, It would be near impossible for my family to meet the rest of the costs. (In fact, the total annual tuition surpasses the combined income of both of my divorced parents in one year, )</p>
<p>I was just curious if anyone could shed light on any solutions that don't involve taking out private loans. I've come up with some hypothetical scenarios for ways to cover these costs, and of course, any suggestions or ideas are definitely welcome!!</p>
<p>1-Take a summer job/internship at the end of each academic year to cover the costs: What scares me the most about this particular solution is that USC may actually reduce the amount of aid received because I now have a taxable income.</p>
<p>2-Take out more federal loans: From what I understand, the higher class standing you are, the higher the limit is on what you are able to take out. This is probably my last solution I want to rely on, and I definitely don't want to resort to this. </p>
<p>3- Hope and Pray that I receive scholarships (as a transfer with a higher class standing, they are so hard to come by!) that will help alleviate the need for loans for future years. I'll definitely be applying for some during each academic year. I neglected to apply the last year and I definitely regret it!</p>
<p>I also wanted a second opinion on what my financial outlooks will be after I graduate. Assuming I am able to cover the lack of a Cal Grant for my 5th year, and I receive no scholarships, I'd be looking at around $35000~40000 in federal loans subs/unsubs and Perkins. Is that too much?</p>
<p>Edit: I also forgot to add that I will also be receiving work-study throughout the academic years, which will serve as a source for living costs and food. (So a part-time job during the school year is definitely out of the question)</p>
<p>Eek, I wrote a lot. I apologize for the excessive reading you guys may have gone through, but I'm reeeally concerned about my financial prospects in the future; I really want to provide as much information as I can so that I can work out some sort of long-term solution.</p>